Switching apparatus



Aug. 31, 1926. 1,597,832

w. M.; SCOTT SWITCHING APPARATUS Filed August 2. 1923 3 Sheets-Shet 1- 5 5c 5 f- I 57 58 F151 H 53 RG27 55 5b as 5% INVENTOR BY f #50324 ATTORNEY Aug. 31 1926.

W. M. SCOTT SWITCHING APPARATUS Filed August 2. 1923 3 Sheets-Sheet 2,

saJ T- j sn INVENTOR Wz AM Q ATTORNEY Aug. 31, 1926.

w. M. SCOTT SWITCHING A PPAR ATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed August 2. 1923 ZGaq 5Q, Zi -(846% Patented Aug. 31, 1926.

WILLIAM M. SCOTT, OF TREDYFFRIN TOWNSHIP, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

SWITCHING APPARATUS.

Application filed August 2, 1923. Serial No. 655,196.

My invention relates to electrical switch or circuit breaker structure for controlling or protecting electric circuits carrying current for power, lighting or other purposes.

In accordance with my invention, switch or circuit breaker structure is provided with means for restoring or resetting it to normal, generally circuit closing, position, in combination with means for locking the restoring or resetting means against actuation, operable by the application of a separable or removable locking device, as a padlock.

Further in accordance with my invention, there is combined with the locking means for the restoring or resetting mechanism means for tripping the switch or circuit breaker mechanism actuated simultaneously with movement of the locking means to locking position, whereby the switch or circuit breaker mechanismis tripped at or before the time the restoring or resetting mechanism is locked, to the end that the switch or circuit breaker structure shall be in open circuit position during the time the resetting mechanism is locked against operation.

Further in accordance with my invention, the aforesaid locking means, or said locking means and tripping mechanism, are applied to the resetting mechanism carried by and operable from the exterior of a housing which encloses the switch 'orcircuit breaker structure.

My invention resides in features of struc ture, arrangement and combination hereinafter described and claimed.

For an illustration of some of the various forms my invention may take, reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view, partially in vertical section, of apparatus embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of structure shown in Fig. 1, With parts of the housing broken away.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary side elevational view, partlv in vertical section, of the resetting, locking and tripping mechanism of the character illustrated in Fig. 1.

Figs. 4 and 5 are, respectively, side and front elevational views of the actuating member for the resetting mechanism.

Figs. 6 and 7 are, respectively, side and and front edge views of the locking member a comprised with the member of Fig. 9 in the locking and tripping structure.

Figs. 12 and'13 are, respectively, side and front elevational views, on enlarged scale, of the assembled structure comprising the members of Figs. 5, 7 9 and 10.

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the resetting mechanism in association with the operating members of the circuit breakers.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary side elevational view, some parts in vertical section, of a modified structure of resetting, locking and tripping mechanism.

Fig. 16 is a front elevation of the same.

Fig. 17 and 18 are, respectively, side and front elevational views of one of the members of Fig. 15.

Figs. 19 and 20 are, respectively, side and front elevational views of a further modification of the resetting, locking and trip ping mechanisms.

Figs. 21 and 22 are, respectively, side and front elevations of one of the members utilized in the arrangement of Fig. 19.

Figs. 23 and 24 are, respectively, side and front elevational views of a further modification in which the locking of the resetting mechanism is effected without tripping the circuit breaker mechanism.

Figs. 25 and 26 are, respectively, side and front views of the locking member of the structure of Fig. 23.

Fig. 27 is a fragmentary top plan view of structure for mounting the housed circuit breaker upon a switchboard.

Referring to the drawings, 1 is a base, preferably of insulating material, such as slate, marble and the like, upon which are secured two switches or circuit breakers A and B, Fig. 2, arranged in a double arm system. Inasmuch as the switches or breakers A and B maybe and preferably are similar, a description of one will sufiice for both.

lVhile my invention is applicable to relations other than indicated, it is here shown as applied to the two circuit br 211(61 arms, A and B torinin c a so-ca1led double arm circuit brcalten the two arn'is or poles of which are independently operable to normal or ircuitclosing position, both connected in series n the same circuit, preterabl in opposite sides of he circuit with automatic tripp' 1g" mechanism ensuring the tripping ot an arm first closed it there obtains an overload or other abnormal electrical ccndition upon a tempt to close the other :11 '1, in general as described in my prior Letters Patent No. 1,389,996.

Loch arm, switch or circuit breaker comprises the main terminals 2 and 3, adapted to be GDQZEQQ? and electrically bridged by the laminated bridging member 4 carried by the arm 5 pii'oted at 6 to the bracket or housing 7 carried by the base 1. iroted to the arm 5 at S is the toggle member or linl; pivoted at 10 to the second toggle link 11 pirotel at 12 to the bracket 7. The member 9 carries the pin or roller 13. Carried by the member 9 is the locking pin or roller 1% engaged by the hook latch oted to the bracket '4' at 6, and having the tail 16 disposed in the path of travel of. the latch actuator or bar 17 pivoted concentricall with the latch 15 and extending in front of both arms A and B of the circui breaker mechanism, and having in each breaker arm the tail 18 disposed in the path of tTtU'Gl of the member 1. secured to the armature 20, pivoted at 21 in operative re lation to the poles 22 of an eleetro-inag net havine the overload or other winding whose one end connects with the lower main terninal 3 and whose other end connects with the stud 2-1, which extends through the base 1 and the switchboard S. A similar stud 25 extends through the base 1 and switchboard S and connects with the upper main terminal blocl: 2 whereby a supply circuit conductor connected to the stud conducts current therethrough and through the terinina 2,

brid fug n ember lower terminal 3. wind mgr 2 to stud with which may be connected a consumption circuit conductor.

Encl sing the switch or circuit breaker mechanism is the housing H. preferably of sheet metal. having the front wall 1V, upon whose inner side is secured the bracke member 26 having at 27 and 28 bearin s inwhich rotates a tubular or hollow Slltk'ib 29, to which is secured within the casing, in detached relation to the operating members 13, 13, the resetting member 30, rotatable in opposite directions for resetting or reclosing; the switches or circuit breakers in succession. The shaft 29 extends to the exterior of the housing wall where there is secured thereto the actuator member or operators handle 32, rec-losing structure or 2t of the mg lorcr or ed to engage ,tuati' o oth es or circuit left end, sec 1 1 career to rewhich a one end vever 3:1: 1 at its ncau no or. 11H

' to the bore hava'ojection -11 adapted a locking: aperture in the l in Fig. Z5. The opm-inber l7 :tor the l, 23 and 9, has in the apertures 41'5", ll. wl rcbi' the member iect to the -12 crating o y pnilm V a? and thrust ug auntie-st:

1:? on the he member :J t o d the loci no; 1116111101 5 iii its tuitr-iard ition. indicated in Fi 9 in 'enient with the inturned h;

m G l lQlS -13.

1? has an elongated apertor l looscly embracing the ture 4-.

o r where 19 the rod 3" at lult against which when her 47 is moved in counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Figs. 3 and 12, about its pivotal support in the pockets 48, to actuate the tripping lever 34 and therethrough thelatches 15 to trip both switches or breaker arms.

As indicated in Figs. 1 and 12, the spring 50 biases the locking member 45 to position in which the block 31 or actuator member is free to be rotated, thereby rotating the member 30 for resetting either or both switches or circuit breakers. If it is desired, h0wever,'to lock the resetting member30 in inoperative or neutral position, in which indicated in Figs. 1 and 2, and to which it is returned by the spring 30, Fig. 1, the locking member 45 must be moved to the locking position, where its lug 46 enters the aperture in the wall W, by pressing inwardly upon the member 47, which, however, as it is moved inwardly, moves the tripping rod 39 toward the left, Figs. 1, 3 and 12, trippin such breaker or breakers as may be in tie circuit closing position. To retain the actuating member 31 in the locked position indicated in Fig. 3, in opposition to spring 50, there is inserted around the member 44 of the member 42, secured to the block 31, the hasp 51 of a padlock" 52, the hasp 51 extending into the path of travel of the locking member 45, preventing its return by spring 50 to unlocking position. A key controls the padlock 52, whose hasp 51, however, directly controls the locking member 45, it being necessary to unlock the padlock 52 and remove the hasp 51 and thereby permit the spring 50 to remove member 45 from locking position to free the actuating member 31 before either or both breakers may be reset orrestored to circuitclosing position.

In F igsr 15 to 18 inclusive is shown a modified structure wherein the locking member 45 and the lock-actuating member 47 are integral, the member 47 having the aperture 47, through which extends the portionof the tripping rod 39 of reduced diameter, the spring 50 in this instance being disposed between the end of the shaft 29 and the member 47, whereby upon pushing inwardly toward the left, Fig. 15, upon the member 47, the tripping rod 39 will be moved to the left to effect the tripping operation, and the locking member 45 Will be moved to carry its locking lug 46 into locking position, where it may be held by inserting the hasp 51 of the padlock 52.

In Figs. 19 to 22 inclusive is shown a modification of the structure shown in Figs. 1. to 13 inclusive. In this case the member 47 has at its lower ends the lugs 47 having pivot holes 47, through which extends the pivot pin 47 Figs. 19 and 20, whereby the member 47 is pivoted upon the sides 43 of member 42.

In the arrangement indicated in Figs. 23 to 26 inclusive, tripping of the circuit breakers by actuation of the tripping rod 39 does not occur when the locking member 45 is moved to locking position. In this case, the member 45 has a downwardly extending lug 45, against which the spring 50 thrusts, the spring 50 being held in position by the lug 45 In this instance the actuating member 32 is locked by pressing inwardly upon the member 45 and then in' serting the hasp 51 of the padlock. In this case tripping of the breaker is not effected, but the same may nevertheless be tripped at will either when the member 32 is locked or unlocked, by pressing inwardly upon the button 40.

The switching or circuit breaker mechanism of the character hereinbefore described, comprising a bas carrying the switching mechanism, and a housing enclosing the switching mechanism, is secured upon a switchboard S, preferably of insulating material, as slate or marble, along with other switchboard devices or instruments, such as switching or circuit breaker mechanism, voltmeters, ammeters, etc.

For this purpose the base 1 is secured to the switchboard S and the housing detachably secured either to the base or the switchboard. I

, At the upper end of the base 1 are one or more members 53 lying between and spac ing the base 1 and switchboard S, or, if desired, disposed in a depression of either the base 1 or switchboard S. The member 53 may be secured either to the switchboard S or the base 1. In the example illustrated, the screw or bolt 54 extends through the base 1 from its front, and is threaded into the member 53 and extends through the switchboard S and has applied to its rear end the nut 55. The member 53 has its upper end extending forwardly and upsecured to each other. Here again the screw 54 may be threaded into the member 59 disposed between the base and switchboard, and having secured thereto the lugs or ears 60, in which is pivoted the bail or hasp 61. engaging in the notch 62 of the toggle link 63, pivoted at'64 in the lug or car 65 carried by the housing H. This fastening is of a character described in my co-pending application Serial No. 619,586, and is in the nature of a toggle as therein described. The link 63 is provided with an aperture 66 adapted to register with a similar aperture in a lug 67 carried by the housing H. The hasp of the padlock may be inserted through the registering; apertures (36, thereby to effectively lock the I the base 1. switchboard (r lt l :l he s i l t l i Jicl, is l an L 113111 on is interior a l re r bracket 68 engaging the base lfhat I claim 15:

i. The combination with an electric switch a a contact member and a rotataolc actuating member therefor. ot a lo b; sai-il actuating; it on tinbsteutially p 'itation of said. ac-

tit n, and a 3; said actuat in m cl locking member '0 switch r therefor. of a locki caitl actuating meme on .nbstantia lr parall f (tion t. sairl actuatin atively etl nember ens 1 )er to rock sait w'th sairl actuating nieinbe' for l: a saul locking member in rocking position 1* opesiton to saicl spring.

1 nnation with an electric switch may a movable contact member; ot a nous-- mo; enclosing saul swi ch, a member for actuating saicl inorable contact member carried b7. wall of saicl housing and rotatable about an t substantially normal to s id wall. saicl v ll ha: "ne an aperture, a locl: member carried bv sairl actuating member and adapted to engage in saitl aperture to restrr contact member in normal a member for locking saicl acrating member against movement, means for ilCtS-fllllg sale restraining means to trip ion, or a nut-miner for locking said actuating member agair moa'cn'ient, means tr actuating icl lGFL'l21i11iH 1' means to trip -able cortzct member illril moving ing member to preceterminerl p f-er forming a Dart m n said 'rinecl position morable contact member an ibcr theretor, anal means V Saul contact me: in norn'ial at a membe for locking sairl ac- :ncriber against inoraneut, means airl restraining in was to tr p contact member amt mo i on to lock ear 1 against morcizicnh and IUS: net for holding srirl l nembcr in locking position.

The combination with an electric snitch comprising a notable contact member, an actuatin; member therefor, anrl nvans tor restraining said contact member in normal position, of a member for lockin said actuatine' member against inoremen means for actuating sai l restraining in HITS to trip sairl movable contactnieniber and moving" sairl locking; member to 1 osition to lock ma actuating member against movement. an: a part of a lock tor ho 19 a loci-ting member tor Nani actnatin member agaii movement means controlling said restraining means, ant a member holding sairl locki n5 member and said contrclling iii-cans in prerleterm axi l positions.

10. The con'ibination with an electric switch conmri" a movable cont ct mens- L V 1 l 4 H U01} an member hiereior, :uul

means tor il contact na in normal ion-hing member locking s irl actuating incinbc; ainst mo ment means control ii Hlitl reztrain means, anal a member holding: saicl loci member amt Ffilltl controllinf: means in tions, respecti ely, locking: actnatin j member again movement and preren res ra nt oi saicl contact member by sairl r strz'iimng means.

11. The combination said with an electric switch comprising a movable contact member, an actuating member therefor, and means for restraining said contact member in normal position, of a locking member for locking said actuating member against movement, means controlling said restraining means, and a member holding said locking member and said controlling means in predetermined positions, said last named member forming a part of a removable lock.

12. The combination with an electric switch comprising a movable contact member, an actuating member therefor, and means for restraining said contact member in normal position, of a locking member for locking said actuating member against movement, means controlling said restraining means, and a member holding said locking member and said controlling means in positions, respectively, locking said actuating member against movement and preventing restraint of said contact member by said restraining means, said last named member forming a part of a removable lock.

13. The combination with an electric switch having a movable contact member and an actuating member therefor, of a locking member carried by said actuating member for locking it against movement, a member engaging said actuating member for holding said lockingmeniber in a predetermined position, andalock carried by said actuating member for preventing removal of said last named member.

14. The combination, with an electric switch comprising a movable contact member, an actuating member therefor, and means for restrainin said contact member in normal position, oi a locking member carried by said actuating member for locking it against movement, means carried by said actuating member for actuating said restraining means to trip said movable contact member andfor moving said locking member to predetermined position, and a removable member for holding said locking member in said predetermined position.

15. The combination with an electric switch comprising a movable contact member, an actuating member therefor, and means for restraining said contact member in normal position, of a locking member carried by said actuating member for locking it against movement, means carried by said actuating member for actuating said restraining means totrip said movable contact member and for moving said locking member to predetermined position, a removable member for holding said locking member in said predetermined position, and a lock carried by said actuating member and of which said last named member is a part.

16. The combination with an electric switch comprising a movable contact member, and means for restraining it in normal position, of a rotatable shaft, an actuating member secured thereto for actuating said movable contact member, a tripping rod movable through said shaft for actuating said rest-raining means, a locking member carried by said actuating member for look ing it against movement, and a member carried by said actuating member for actuating said tripping rod and said locking member.

17. The combination with an electric switch comprising. a; movable contact member, and means for restraining it in normal position, of a rotatable shaft, a'n actuating member secured thereto for actuating said movable contact member, a tripping rod movable through said shaiit for actuating said restraining means, a locking member carried by said actuating member for locking it against movement, a member carried by said actuating member for actuating said tripping rod and said locking member, and a lock carried by said actuating member for holding said locking member in predetermined position.

18. The combination with an electric switch comprising a; movable contact mem ber, an operating member therefor, meansfor restraining said contact member in nor mal position, and electro-responsive means for actuating said restraining means, ,of a housing enclosing the same, a resetting member carried by said housing in detached relation to said operating member for a'ctu-' ating it, an actuating member on the exterior of said housing for actuating said resetting member, a locking member carried by said actuating member for engaging said housing to lock said actuating member in position in which it is free of saidopcrating member upon actuation of said restraining means by said electro-responsive means, and a member carried by said actuating member for holding said locking member in predetermined position.

19. The combination with an electric switch comprising a; movable contact member, an operating member therefor, means for restraining said contact member in normal position, and electro-responsive means for actuating said restraining means, of a housing enclosing the same, a resetting member carried by said housing in detached relation to said operating member for actuating it, an actuating member on the exterior of said housing for actuating said resetting member, a locking member carried by said actuating member for engaging said housing to lock said actuating member, in position in which it is free of said operating member upon actuation of said restraining means by said electro-responsive means for actuating said restraining means, a spring biasing said locking member to position leaving said actuating member free to move, and a removable member carried by said actuating member for holding said locking s id actuating member and on member in locking position in opposition to said spring.

20. T he combination with switching mechanism comprising a movable contact memher, an operating member therefor, and means for restraining said contact member in normal position, of a housing enclosing said switching mechanism, a resetting member carried by said housing in detached relation to said operating member for operating it, a tripping member carried by said housing for actuating said restraining means to trip said contact member, an actuating member on the XtQllOl of said housing for actuating said resetting member, a locking member for locking said actuating member against movement, and a men ber carried by said actuating member for actuating said trippin member aid said locking member.

21. The combination with switching mechanism comprising a movzble contact member, an operating member therefor, and means for restraining said contact member in normal position, of a housing enclosing said switching mechanism, a resetting member carried by said housing in detached relation to said operating member for operat ing it, a tripping member carried by said housing for actuating aid restraining means to trip said contact member, an actuating member on the exterior of said housing for actuating said resetting member, a locking member for locking said actuating member against movement, a carried by said actuati 1g member for ating said tripping member and said loosing member, and a removable member i' a lO- li holding id locking member in predetermined position.

i be com iination "with an electric ovablc contact member, id contact n'iember L a detached rotatable L 1g said contact al position ai'ter actuation of j means, of a relatively fixed 2 citing member mounted spect to said actud engaging s i iXe 'l mem ating in mber when said been moved. to inopwith an electric switch mi'act member, means contact m mbein nortach-ec actuating member lroin an inoperative position for sid contact member to nor? al poactu tion ol sa d reswiining bi: id actuating .id inop posit oi member, and locking on ant, movable with 1. lixed member to lock said actui her when said actuating member oved to said inoperative position.

combination with an electric a movable contact .1 ting member therefor, y XBtl member, a locking mem- "cd oy said actuating member and he eon towards said fixed member subs antially pa allel with the axis i or actuating member, and

J81 carried by said actuating lilOHllJOl oppo e side of said axis of rotau said locking member and extendand engaging said locking member actuating it.

2:3. he combination with electric switch- K cchanisn. comprising a plurality of in dependentl operable contact for restraining them in normal poand a resetting member detached i contact members and rotatable to or a housing enclosing said zciianism and carryi 1g said reber, a locking member carried r member and adapted to eng when said resetting memposition inoperative with said contact members, a spring ,io locking member towards posito said resetting member, and a locking member engaging with said nember for holding said first (I ecliing member in locking position opposition to said spring.

The combination with an electric switch having a movable contact member, a detached actuating member there for, means for restraining said contact member in normal position, and elcctro-responsive means for actuating said rest-raining means, of a locking member for locking said actuating member in position in which said contact member may' move independentlt of salt actuating member upon actuation of said restraining means by said electro responsive means, a spring biasing said locking member toward position "for 1m locking said actuating member, and a lock for holding said locking member in locking position in opposition to said spring. 27. The combination with an electric switch having a movable contact memb r, a detached. movable actuating member thereof, means for restraining said contact member in normal position, and electroresponsive means for actuating said rcstraining means, of a locking member movable with said actuating member tor loching it in position in which said contact member may move independently ot said actuating member upon actuation of said members.

il-u

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restraining means by said electro-responsive means, a spring biasing said locking member toward position to unlock said actuating member, and a lock for locking said locking member in looking position in opposition to said spring.

28. The combination with an electric switch having a movable contact member; a detached movable actuating member therefor, means for restraining said contact member in normal position, and electroresponsive means for actuating said restraining means, of a locking member movable with said actuating member for looking it in position in which said contact member may move independently of said actuating member upon actuation of said restraining means by said electro-responsive means, a spring biasing said locking member toward position to unlock said actuating member, and a lock engaging with said actuating member for holding said locking member in looking position in opposition to said spring.

29. The combination with an electric switch comprising a movable contact member, an actuating member therefor, and means for restraining said contact member in normal position of a member for locking said actuating member against movement, means for actuating said restraining means to trip said movable contact member, and means for simultaneously moving said locking member and said last named means.

30. The combination with an electric switch comprising a movable contact member, an actuating member therefor, and means for restraining said contact member in normal position, of a member movable with said actuating member for locking said actuating member against movement, means for actuatin said restraining means to trip said movalile contact member, and means for simultaneously moving said locking member and said last named means.

31. The combination with an electric switch comprising amovable contact memher, an actuating member therefor, and means for restraining said contact member in normal position, of a member carried by said actuating member for looking said actuating member against movement, means for actuating said restraining means to trip said movable contact member, means for sin'mltaneously moving said locking memher and said last named means, and a member for holding said locking member in locking position.

32. The combination with an electric switch comprising a movable contact memher, an actuating member therefor, and means for rest-raining said contact member in normal position, of a member carried by said actuating member for locking said actuating member against movement, means for actuating said restraining means to trip said movable contact member, means for simultaneously moving said locking member and said last named means, and a member engaging said actuating member for holding said locking member in locking position.

33. The combination with an electric switch comprising a movable contact member, an actuating member therefor, and means for rest-raining said contact member in normal position, of a member for locking said actuating member against movement, and means common to said locking member and said restraining means for actuating them.

34. The combination with electric switching mechanism comprising a movable con: tact member and means for restraining it in normal position, of an enclosing housing, a rotatable actuating member carried by a wall of said housing and disposed in detached relation to said contact member for resetting it after it is freed from said restraining means, a locking member for looking said actuating member with respect to said housing, means for holding said looking member in locking position, and means causing said contact member to be freed from said restraining means before said holding means holds said locking member in looking position.

35. The combination with an electric switch comprising a movable contact mem ber, an actuating member therefor, and means for restraining said contact member in normal position, of a member for locking said actuating member against movement. and means common to said restraining means and said locking member for actuating them in succession. 7

36. The combination with an electric switch comprising a movable contact member, an actuating member therefor, and means for restraining said contact member in normal position, of a member for locking said actuating member against movement, and means for actuating said restraining means to trip said contact member and thereafter bring said locking member to position for locking said actuating member.

37. The combination with an electric switch comprising a movable contact mem-. ber, a rotatable actuating member therefor, and means for restraining said contact member in normal position, of a member mounted upon and movable with respect to said actuating member for locking it against movement, and a member extending through said actuating member and movable in a direction parallel with its axis of rotation for actuating said restraining means.

38. The combination with an electric said locking member engaging said fixed member on the opposite side of said axis 1 of rotation ano means for actuating said restraining means to trip said movable contact member noon movement of said lockin member to position for locking said actuating member.

WILLIAAI M. SCOTT.

Certificate of Correction.

It is hereby certified that in Letters Patent No. 1,597,832, granted August 31, 1926, upon the application of William M. Scott, of Tredylfrin Township, Chester lounty, Pennsylvania, for an improvement in Switching Apparatus, errors appear in the printed specification requiring correction as follows: Page 4, line 19, claim 1, after the word in insert the article a; page 5, lines 126 and 127, claim 19, strike out the Words for actuating said restraining means page 6, line 123, claim 27, for the Word thereof read therefor, and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Ofiice.

Signed and sealed this 30th day of November, A. D. 1926.

[SEAL] p M. J. MOORE,

Acting Commissionerof Patents. 

